Hurriyat 'irrelevant', Kashmiris must move on, find place for themselves within India: Bilal Lone
"Hurriyat conference has lost relevance because we could not act," he said, adding, "so the concept of Hurriyat may have been good at that time...but when we visualise Hurriyat today, it is non-functional and somewhere, Hurriyat has faltered, no doubt about that."
Lone was equally critical of Pakistan's role and said, "We have heard many statements but nothing has come out (of it)," and added that "Pakistan should help Kashmir in soothing things here, rather than creating fissures out here."
He dismissed the idea that Pakistan would ever "get" Kashmir through force, calling it a "very silly suggestion."
To illustrate his point, Lone cited a recent escalation of tensions along the border that saw a 48-hour war-like situation.
"Not even an inch moved at the border," he said.
Lone said that Kashmiris must now move on.
"We need to come out of this mess, whether it is with or without Pakistan, we have to come out of this," he stated.
He expressed a deep sense of regret over the separatist movement's failures, saying, "The Hurriyat Conference had got a lot of opportunities, we faltered somewhere. And we could have got something for our people, but we couldn't. That's the reality, let's be honest about it."
In a candid admission of past failures, Lone said his shift towards mainstream politics is born not out of political expediency, but a personal conviction to pursue a "genuine political process."
Reflecting on his journey, Lone said, "I have no regrets being on the other side of the fence, but the only regret, which is a very big one, is that we could not do anything. Much could have been done, but we could not", and summarised his change of heart with a Hindi adage: "dair aaye durust aaye (better late than never)."
Addressing his move from separatist to mainstream politics, Lone said he is not in the race for any position like a chief minister or MLA, but is instead motivated by a desire to pay back his people.
"I think I need to pay it back. So for me, it is a payback time," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Delhi govt to introduce student clubs in 100 schools
1 2 New Delhi: In a move set to energise classrooms and empower students, Delhi govt will introduce student clubs in 100 govt schools starting from the 2025–26 academic session. These clubs aim to give students new platforms for expression, exploration, and all-round development—going far beyond textbooks and exams. According to a circular issued by Directorate of Education (DoE), each school will launch two clubs—one focused on language learning, and the other on a wide range of co-curricular activities. Students can choose from Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu, or Punjabi for the language club, helping them refine their communication skills in both classical and contemporary contexts. The second club will allow students to dive into diverse interest areas, such as science, mathematics, sports and yoga, visual or performing arts, inclusive education (Samarth), or leadership through a student council. This flexible approach ensures that every learner finds a space to thrive. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "To support this initiative, each school will receive Rs 20,000 in funding—Rs 10,000 per club. The financial aid is intended to ensure smooth operations, resource availability, and sustained engagement across the year," said an official. Participation in at least one club will be mandatory for all students, encouraging broad-based involvement. DoE has also emphasised the importance of detailed record-keeping and proper fund utilisation. School heads have been tasked with overseeing the programme's implementation and ensuring that objectives are met effectively. The department has further instructed school principals to maintain comprehensive and regularly updated records of all student club activities. They have also been directed to ensure that the allocated funds are utilised effectively and transparently across the entire academic year, supporting meaningful engagement and sustained programming. According to officials, the initiative aims to help students cultivate a wide range of skills—such as communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking—alongside their academic learning. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Devendra Fadnavis Defends Public Security Bill, Warns Urban Naxals Of Arrest
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that the Special Public Security Bill is not for taking action against those who criticise the government, but warned that those who act like urban Naxals will be arrested under it. The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, which seeks to prevent unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organisations with focus on urban Naxalism and "passive militancy", was passed by the state legislature during the recent monsoon session of the state legislature. The bill, which has stringent provisions, including hefty fines and jail term up to seven years for those found guilty, has sparked criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties, who view it as a tool to suppress dissent under the pretext of national security. Talking to reporters here on Saturday, Fadnavis said the law was not against demonstrators or those who criticise the government. "If you act like an urban naxal, you will be arrested," he said when asked about Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray's challenge to the CM to arrest his party workers under the newly-passed legislation. On Raj Thackeray's charge that the CM wanted to forcibly teach young children Hindi but not Marathi to those coming from outside, Fadnavis said Marathi is mandatory in Maharashtra, but an additional Indian language should be learnt along with it. "I am opposed to laying a red carpet to English instead of an Indian language," he said.
Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Economic Times
Those who act like urban Naxals will be arrested: Fadnavis on Special Public Security Bill
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that the Special Public Security Bill is not for taking action against those who criticise the government, but warned that those who act like urban Naxals will be arrested under it. The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, which seeks to prevent unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organisations with focus on urban Naxalism and "passive militancy", was passed by the state legislature during the recent monsoon session of the state legislature. The bill, which has stringent provisions, including hefty fines and jail term up to seven years for those found guilty, has sparked criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties, who view it as a tool to suppress dissent under the pretext of national to reporters here on Saturday, Fadnavis said the law was not against demonstrators or those who criticise the government."If you act like an urban naxal, you will be arrested," he said when asked about Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray's challenge to the CM to arrest his party workers under the newly-passed legislation. On Raj Thackeray's charge that the CM wanted to forcibly teach young children Hindi but not Marathi to those coming from outside, Fadnavis said Marathi is mandatory in Maharashtra, but an additional Indian language should be learnt along with it."I am opposed to laying a red carpet to English instead of an Indian language," he said.
